Monday, March 23, 2015

The Generosity of People

Life changed for my family 7 months ago. Most of you know my brother was killed in a boating accident. My parents lost their son, my sister in law lost her husband, my nieces and nephew lost their dad, and I lost my only sibling. And we have learned.

We have learned that life goes on. We have learned that life is uncertain and tomorrow is something we don't take for granted. And we have learned about the generosity of others.

I don't ever really talk about it but my dad and brother are kind of a big deal in the performance boat industry. My dad invented something called a "step-design" hull which is what makes our boats go faster than the competition. My brother improved on it. It's like somebody mentioning Stephanie Pearl McPhee - the average person may not know who she is but ask a knitter and ya, you know. And so it is when you mention Mike Fiore. Anybody in the industry knows him and what him and my dad have accomplished.

With that in mind there was a foundation set up for my nieces and nephew so that their college expenses would be taken care of. The donations have been incredible. More than we ever thought it would be. And it keeps going. The most recent act of kindness has been this painting.

It was done with the intention of it being auctioned at a later date. The likeness is incredible. The thought that somebody took so much time (he has been working on it for months) to donate this just takes me back. A beacon of light amidst a lot of darkness.

It breaks my heart that you lost your only sibling, I always think of you and send you prayers. I love that the world is a thoughtful place and it's evident by the fundraising going on for your brother's family. Life is good.

I did not know that you had lost your only sibling and I am so sorry for your and your family's loss. I cannot imagine what that must be like and I am so glad that something good is coming out of all this.

Oh Donna! I had no idea! I guess I hadn't found your blog till recently.It is wonderful to find comforts that can take the pain of loss and replace it with the joy of memory.I lost my brother three years ago in a quad bike accident. He wan't quite 40. I had no parents or grandparents living by then (which was in many ways a blessing that my Mom was spared the pain of his death) but somehow loosing him was the most painful loss for me. It felt SO preventable but my sister in law reminds me often that he was doing the thing he loved.

I am SO GLAD to see the support and love for you all in this loss; it would be so devestating. and grief does take so long, it's hard. Sorry I was late in reading this post. Glad I saw it. Much love. God bless you all in this time....